L.A. Reid Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit On Morning of Trial to Avoid Courtroom Showdown
L.A. Reid settled a sexual assault lawsuit with Drew Dixon on the morning of the scheduled trial, avoiding a public courtroom battle.Summary
Music executive L.A. Reid reached a settlement with former Arista A&R executive Drew Dixon to resolve her lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and assault. Dixon accused Reid of repeated harassment culminating in two instances of forced sexual contact in 2001, and of subsequently hindering her career. Reid strongly denied the allegations. The settlement was announced on January 12th, averting a trial that was set to begin that day and where figures like John Legend were expected to testify.
The terms of the settlement remain confidential. Dixon’s attorney stated the resolution would allow her to move forward with her career, while Reid’s attorney confirmed the amicable resolution without admitting liability. This case follows previous allegations of sexual harassment against Reid, leading to his departure from Epic Records in 2017.
Dixon also accused Reid of retaliating against her by interfering with her attempts to sign artists like Kanye West and John Legend. She alleges she was “blackballed” from the industry after speaking out. Dixon has also made allegations against Russell Simmons, accusing him of rape in previous instances.
(Source：Billboard)